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American Masters, committed to producing comprehensive film biographies about the broad cast of characters who comprise our cultural history.

Explore new documentary shorts about artists who defy the odds to create remarkable work.
Phyllis Diller reflects on how her comedy was a response to years of “take my wife” jokes.
Paul Mooney reflects on the mechanics of stand-up and his role as Richard Pryor's best friend.
Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo and Patricia Yuen, Lillian Goldman Programming Endowment, Seton J. Melvin, Thea Petschek Iervolino Foundation, Anita and Jay Kaufman, The Philip and Janice Levin Foundation, Kate W. Cassidy Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, The Ambrose Monell Foundation, Ellen and James S. Marcus, The Charina Endowment Fund, The Marc Haas Foundation and public television viewers.
Episodes
Explores the life, works and beliefs of the late writer and civil rights activist.
A father of bebop, Charlie Parker influenced generations of musicians.
Alice Waters has made it her mission in life to make sure that people eat beautifully.
Watch the full documentary on Lennon's life in New York City during the 1970s.
Pulitzer Prize- and National Book Award-winning novelist Philip Roth
The first documentary about the legend behind much of the bold television of the '70s.
Today’s American food movement can be traced back to one man: James Beard.
Tyrus Wong's pioneering artwork led to iconic works like Bambi and Rebel Without a Cause.
He lived fast, died young and created thousands of drawings and paintings.
Follow the country music superstar’s journey from segregated Mississippi to Nashville.
Explore four-time Tony-winning playwright Terrence McNally's work in theater.
Discover the art world giant whose color fields changed art history and now fetch millions
Extras
Lily Tomlin speaks about her time on Laugh-In and how she developed her characters.
Jeff Foxworthy discusses regionalism in comedy and why "redneck" is a state of mind.
Joan Rivers speaks about her experience as a female comic in the early 60s.
Jamie Diaz is a trans woman and artist who has spent nearly 30 years in a men's prison in Texas.
Jamie Diaz is a trans woman and artist who has spent nearly 30 years in a men's prison in Texas.
Conan O’Brien speaks about his style of late night and his reason for doing comedy.
Explore musician Bob Dylan's evolution from folk troubadour to iconic rock star.
Discover the work of New York photographer Corky Lee in his own words.
This Firing Line compliation shows Buckley in conversation with five of his most memorable guests.
Jerry Seinfeld discusses his collaboration with Larry David and the evolution of the sitcom.